What is an E-Bike?
Electric bikes pedal and handle just like a regular bicycle and use many of the same parts too. The specific parts that make an e-bike unique are its motor, battery, and drivetrain. These parts are what make the bike "electric".
The electric component is meant to assist human power, not completely replace it. It makes obstacles like hills or physical capability more manageable and allows you to travel further without getting as tired.
Benefits of E-Biking
Air Quality
The more people who get on an e-bike instead of in a car - the more we reduce tailpipe emissions and help mitigate air pollution. Electric power makes individuals much more easily convinced to take an e-bike instead of a car.
Energy Consumption
E-bikes use energy with an average rate of 100 to 150 watts compared to every 15.000 watts or more used by a car. E-bikes offer an alternative to help decrease the consumption of fossil fuels that harm the environment and public health.
Personal Health
Even with the electric motor. a rider becomes active. The electric power allows riders of all physical ability to enjoy riding a bike. Individuals who would not normally use a bike become active thanks to pedal assist.
Community Engagement
Studies have shown that the more individuals ride bikes. the more the community is directly engaging with the spaces around them. Because of this. Bike Shares can have a positive economic impact on their neighborhood: the more people out & about. the more likely they are to stop & shop.
6 Main Components of an E-Bike
Motor
Electric motor that when engaged spins the rear wheel.
Display
Electronic readout for the bike and user interface to send commands to the controller.
Throttle
The push of a button engages the motor to increase output and provide jolt of power to
the bike.
Battery
Provides power source for the bike.
Controller
Main brain of the bike that houses the motherboard. receives instructions from display that sends commands to the rest of the bike.
Pedal Assist Sensor (PAS)
Magnets that sense the movement of the pedals to engage the motor and aid riders movement of the bike.
E-Bike Class Types
Electric bikes have 3 main types that they are classified into. These classes are used as identifiers for the type of bike. and how that bike is receiving assistance from the electrical system. Each country. state. and city have their own specifications for what the classes are and what class is permitted for riding in specific areas. Below is the federally defined requirements for each class in the USA. All of the Magnum models can be adjusted to meet the requirements for each class depending on the need of the rider. Always make sure to check out your local laws before riding!
Class 1
-
Pedal Assist
-
20 MPH Max
This is the most common type of ebike. As the rider pedals. the electrical system gives the rider assistance. These bikes do not have throttles and have a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 2
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Pedal Assist
-
20 MPH Max
-
Throttle
Class 2 e-bikes have all of the same components of Class 1. but have a throttle (20mph max) along with the pedal assist.
Class 3
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Pedal Assist
-
20 MPH Max
-
Throttle
Class 3 e-bikes can have both a throttle (20mph max) and pedal assist with a cap of 28 mph. Wattage is important as well - to remain within al I of the 3 classes an e-bike must have at or below a 750 watt motor.
Drive Types / Batteries
Motors
Front Hub
Located on the front wheel. Provides power by spinning the front wheel creating the sensation of being "pulled". Simplest design but most limited capabilities.
Rear Hub
Located on the back wheel. Provides power by spinning the back wheel creating the sensation of being "pushed". Affordable and wide range of capabilities. but makes bike weight uneven (heavier rear).
Mid-Drive
Centrally located. Sends power to the drivetrain instead of the wheel hub. Creates sensation of more balanced riding. Quieter and mor balanced. but have more parts than can break and more expensive.
Throttle Vs Pedelec
Throttle
Rider simply twists or pushes the throttle and the bike gets going without any assistance from the rider. This is the biggest drain on the battery.
Pedal Assist
Motor activates when the pedals are in motion. This allows the rider to still get a workout with the extra boost to ride further or in harder conditions.
Torque Vs Cadence
Torque Pas
Measures the amount of power you are putting into the pedals and it will increase or decrease the electric assist based on your pedaling power.
Cadence Pas
Provide assistance when the cranks of the bike are turning. More simple and also affordable.
Battery Mounting
Rack Mount
Battery is mounted above the rear wheel under the rear carrier rack. Versatile for nearly any frame but affects turing corners and handling.
Down Tube
Most common on production e-bikes. Battery is mounted from the front of the bike down to the crank area. Placement improves handling.